Apparatus and method of input and finger print recognition on a handheld electronic device

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for input and fingerprint recognition on a handheld electronic device includes (1) a touchscreen having a touch resolution portion and a fingerprint sensor distinct from the touch resolution portion; and (2) a data processor coupled to the touchscreen. The touch resolution portion has a touch resolution for detecting a touch input on the touch surface. The data processor is configured to selectively operate the fingerprint sensor in one of a fingerprint resolution mode for sensing a fingerprint on said touch surface and a touch input mode for detecting the touch input on said touch surface.

CROSSREFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

N/A

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

This application relates to mobile communication techniques in general,and to an apparatus and method of input and finger print recognition ona handheld electronic device in particular.

2. Description of the Related Art

Touch pads are known techniques of computer input. A touch pad has aflat surface capable of producing a signal when the flat surface istouched with a finger.

Finger print recognition is a known technique of biometric systems,utilized for recognizing the identity of a person based on physiologicalcharacteristics.

Both techniques are typically not provided simultaneously in handheldelectronic devices. Although touch pads and finger print devices arecommon, touch pads may have very low resolution, and may use aninterpretive algorithm to increase the apparent resolution, whereasfinger print devices may have very high resolution. The limited surfacearea of a handheld electronic device may exclude the use of both touchpads and fingerprint devices simultaneously.

SUMMARY

According to a first aspect of the invention described herein, there isprovided an apparatus for input and fingerprint recognition on ahandheld electronic device. The apparatus includes a housing carrying atouch surface; a touch input portion integral to the touch surface andhaving touch resolution for detecting a touch input thereon; and afingerprint resolution portion integral to the touch surface anddistinct from the touch input portion. The fingerprint resolutionportion has a fingerprint resolution mode for sensing a fingerprint onsaid touch surface, and a touch input mode for detecting the touch inputon said touch surface. The housing is configured for releasableattachment to the handheld electronic device.

In one implementation, the data processor is configured to detectactivity at the fingerprint resolution portion as navigation data in thetouch input mode, and to detect activity at the fingerprint resolutionportion as fingerprint data in the fingerprint resolution mode. Also, inone implementation, in the fingerprint resolution mode, the fingerprintresolution portion is sampled at a fingerprint resolution rate thatprovide the fingerprint resolution portion with a resolution sufficientfor sensing the fingerprint on said touch surface, and in the touchinput mode, the fingerprint resolution portion is subsampled at a rateless than the fingerprint resolution rate, such that the subsample rateprovides the fingerprint resolution portion with a resolution sufficientfor detecting the touch input on the touch surface.

According to a second aspect of the invention described herein, there isprovided a method of input and fingerprint recognition at an electronichandheld device. The method involves the steps of (1) providing a touchsurface having a touch resolution portion and a fingerprint resolutionportion distinct from the touch resolution portion; the touch resolutionportion having a touch resolution for detecting a touch input on saidtouch surface; and (2) selectively operating the fingerprint resolutionportion in one of a fingerprint mode for sensing a fingerprint on saidtouch surface and a touch input mode for detecting the touch input onsaid touch surface.

In one implementation, the selective operating step involves detectingactivity at the fingerprint resolution portion as navigation data in thetouch input mode, and detecting activity at the fingerprint resolutionportion as fingerprint data in the fingerprint resolution mode. Also, inone implementation, in the fingerprint resolution mode, the fingerprintresolution portion is sampled at a fingerprint resolution rate thatprovide the fingerprint resolution portion with a resolution sufficientfor sensing the fingerprint on said touch surface, and in the touchinput mode, the fingerprint resolution portion is subsampled at a rateless than the fingerprint resolution rate, such that the subsample rateprovides the fingerprint resolution portion with a resolution sufficientfor detecting the touch input on the touch surface.

According to a third aspect of the invention described herein, there isprovided an apparatus for input and fingerprint recognition on ahandheld electronic device. The apparatus includes (1) a touchscreenhaving a touch resolution portion and a fingerprint sensor distinct fromthe touch resolution portion; and (2) a data processor coupled to thetouchscreen. The touch resolution portion has a touch resolution fordetecting a touch input on said touch surface. The data processor isconfigured to selectively operate the fingerprint sensor in one of afingerprint resolution mode for sensing a fingerprint on said touchsurface and a touch input mode for detecting the touch input on saidtouch surface.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention described herein, there isprovided a handheld electronic device, that includes a display and akeyboard on one side of the handheld electronic device; a touchscreenhaving a touch resolution portion and a fingerprint sensor distinct fromthe touch resolution portion; and a data processor coupled to thetouchscreen. The touch resolution portion has a touch resolution fordetecting a touch input on the touchscreen. The data processor isconfigured to selectively operate the fingerprint sensor in one of afingerprint resolution mode for sensing a fingerprint on the touchscreenand a touch input mode for detecting the touch input on the touchscreen.

In one implementation, the data processor is configured to detectactivity at the fingerprint sensor as navigation data in the touch inputmode, and to detect activity at the fingerprint sensor as fingerprintdata in the fingerprint resolution mode. Also, the touchscreen may bedisposed on a side of the handheld electronic device opposite to thethat of the display Also, in one implementation, the data processor isconfigured to &ample the fingerprint sensor in the fingerprintresolution mode at a fingerprint resolution rate that provides thefingerprint sensor with a resolution sufficient for sensing thefingerprint on said touch surface. The data processor is configured isalso configured to subsample the fingerprint sensor in the touch inputmode at a rate less than the fingerprint resolution rate, such that thesubsample rate provides the fingerprint resolution portion with aresolution sufficient for detecting the touch input on the touchsurface.

Other aspects and features of the invention described herein will becomeapparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art upon review of thefollowing description of specific embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present application will now be described, by way ofexample only, with reference to the attached figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a mobile station capable ofco-operating with preferred embodiments of the apparatus and method ofthe current application;

FIG. 2A is a front perspective view of a first peripheral embodiment ofan apparatus provided in accordance with the present application;

FIG. 2B is an exploded front perspective view of the apparatus of FIG.2A;

FIG. 2C is a front elevation view of the apparatus of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 2D is a top elevation view of the apparatus of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 2E is a bottom elevation view of the apparatus of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 2F is a right elevation view of the apparatus of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 3A is a rear perspective view of a second handheld deviceembodiment of an apparatus provided in accordance with the presentapplication;

FIG. 3B is a rear elevation view of the apparatus of FIG. 3A;

FIG. 3C is a bottom elevation view of the apparatus of FIG. 3A;

FIG. 3D is a right elevation view of the apparatus of FIG. 3A;

FIG. 4A is a top elevation view of a third handheld device embodiment ofan apparatus provided in accordance with the present application;

FIG. 4B is a right elevation view of the apparatus of FIG. 4A;

FIG. 4C is a rear elevation view of the apparatus of FIG. 4A; and

FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating an embodiment of a method providedin accordance with the present application.

Same reference numerals are used in different figures to denote similarelements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating amobile station capable of co-operating with preferred embodiments of theapparatus and method of the current application. Mobile station 100 ispreferably a two-way wireless communication device having at least voiceand data communication capabilities. Mobile station 100 preferably hasthe capability to communicate with other computer systems on theInternet. Depending on the exact functionality provided, the wirelessdevice may be referred to as a data massaging device, a two-way pager, awireless e-mail device, a cellular telephone with data messagingcapabilities, a wireless Internet appliance, or a data communicationdevice, as examples.

Where mobile station 100 is enabled for two-way communication, it willincorporate a communication subsystem 111, including both a receiver 112and a transmitter 114, as well as associated components such as one ormore, preferably embedded or internal, antenna elements 116 and 118,local oscillators (LOs) 113., and a processing module such as a digitalsignal processor (DSP) 120. As will be apparent to those skilled in thefield of communications, the particular design of the communicationsubsystem 111 will be dependent upon the communication network in whichthe device is intended to operate. For example, mobile station 100 mayinclude a communication subsystem 111 designed to operate within theMobitex™ mobile communication system, the DataTAC™ mobile communicationsystem, GPRS network, UMTS network, EDGE network or CDMA network.

Network access requirements will also vary depending upon the type ofnetwork 119. For example, in the Mobitex and DataTAC networks, mobilestation 100 is registered on the network using a unique identificationnumber associated with each mobile station. In UMTS and GPRS networks,and in some CDMA networks, however, network access is associated with asubscriber or user of mobile station 100. A GPRS mobile stationtherefore requires a subscriber identity module (SIM) card in order tooperate on a GPRS network, and a RUIM in order to operate on some CDMAnetworks. Without a valid SIM/RUIM card, a GPRS/UMTS/CDMA mobile stationmay not be fully functional. Local or non-network communicationfunctions, as well as legally required functions (if any) such as “911”emergency calling, may be available, but mobile station 100 will beunable to carry out any other functions involving communications overthe network 100. The SIM/RUIM interface 144 is normally similar to acard-slot into which a SIM/RUIM card can be inserted and ejected like adiskette or PCMCIA card. The SIM/RUIM card can have approximately 64K ofmemory and hold many key configuration 151, and other information 153such as identification, and subscriber related information.

When required network registration or activation procedures have beencompleted, mobile station 100 may send and receive communication signalsover the network 119. Signals received by antenna 116 throughcommunication network 119 are input to receiver 112, which may performsuch common receiver functions as signal amplification, frequency downconversion, filtering, channel selection and the like, and in theexample system shown in FIG. 1, analog to digital (A/D) conversion. A/Dconversion of a received signal allows more complex communicationfunctions such as demodulation and decoding to be performed in the DSP120. In a similar manner, signals to be transmitted are processed,including modulation and encoding for example, by DSP 120 and input totransmitter 114 for digital to analog conversion, frequency upconversion, filtering, amplification and transmission over thecommunication network 119 via antenna 118. DSP 120 not only processescommunication signals, but also provides for receiver and transmittercontrol. For example, the gains applied to communication signals inreceiver 112 and transmitter 114 may be adaptively controlled throughautomatic gain control algorithms implemented in DSP 120.

Mobile station 100 preferably includes a microprocessor 138 whichcontrols the overall operation of the device. Communication functions,including at least data and voice communications, are performed throughcommunication subsystem 111. Microprocessor 138 also interacts withfurther device subsystems such as the display 122, flash memory 124,random access memory (RAM) 126, auxiliary input/output (I/O) subsystems128, serial port 130, keyboard 132, speaker 134, microphone 136, ashort-range communications subsystem 140 and any other device subsystemsgenerally designated as 142.

Some of the subsystems shown in FIG. 1 perform communication-relatedfunctions, whereas other subsystems may provide “resident” or on-devicefunctions. Notably, some subsystems, such as keyboard 132 and display122, for example, may be used for both communication-related functions,such as entering a text message for transmission over a communicationnetwork, and device-resident functions such as a calculator or tasklist.

Operating system software used by the microprocessor 138 is preferablystored in a persistent store such as flash memory 124, which may insteadbe a read-only memory (ROM) or similar storage element (not shown).Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the operating system,specific device applications, or parts thereof, may be temporarilyloaded into a volatile memory such as RAM 126. Received communicationsignals may also be stored in RAM 126.

As shown, flash memory 124 can be segregated into different areas forboth computer programs 158 and program data storage 150, 152, 154 and156. These different storage types indicate that each program canallocate a portion of flash memory 124 for their own data storagerequirements. Microprocessor 138, in addition to its operating systemfunctions, preferably enables execution of software applications on themobile station. A predetermined set of applications that control basicoperations, including at least data and voice communication applicationsfor example, will normally be installed on mobile station 100 duringmanufacturing. A preferred software application may be a personalinformation manager (PIM) application having the ability to organize andmanage data items relating to the user of the mobile station such as,but not limited to, e-mail, calendar events, voice mails, appointments,and task items. Naturally, one or more memory stores would be availableon the mobile station to facilitate storage of PIM data items. Such PIMapplication would preferably have the ability to send and receive dataitems, via the wireless network 119. In a preferred embodiment, the PIMdata items are seamlessly integrated, synchronized and updated, via thewireless network 119, with the mobile station user's corresponding dataitems stored or associated with a host computer system. Furtherapplications may also be loaded onto the mobile station 100 through thenetwork 119, an auxiliary I/O subsystem 128, serial port 130,short-range communications subsystem 140 or any other suitable subsystem142, and installed by a user in the RAM 126 or preferably a non-volatilestore (not shown) for execution by the microprocessor 138. Suchflexibility in application installation increases the functionality ofthe device and may provide enhanced on-device functions,communication-related functions, or both. For example, securecommunication applications may enable electronic commerce functions andother such financial transactions to be performed using the mobilestation 100.

In a data communication mode, a received signal such as a text messageor web page download will be processed by the communication subsystem111 and input to the microprocessor 138, which preferably furtherprocesses the received signal for output to the display 122, oralternatively to an auxiliary I/O device 128. A user of mobile station100 may also compose data items such as email messages for example,using the keyboard 132, which is preferably a complete alphanumerickeyboard or telephone-type keypad, in conjunction with the display 122and possibly an auxiliary I/O device 128. Such composed items may thenbe transmitted over a communication network through the communicationsubsystem 111.

For voice communications, overall operation of mobile station 100 issimilar, except that received signals would preferably be output to aspeaker 134 and signals for transmission would be generated by amicrophone 136. Alternative voice or audio I/O subsystems, such as avoice message recording subsystem, may also be implemented on mobilestation 100. Although voice or audio signal output is preferablyaccomplished primarily through the speaker 134, display 122 may also beused to provide an indication of the identity of a calling party, theduration of a voice call, or other voice call related information forexample.

Serial port 130 in FIG. 1, would normally be implemented in a personaldigital assistant (PDA)-type mobile station for which synchronizationwith a user's desktop computer (not shown) may be desirable, but is anoptional device component. Such a port 130 would enable a user to setpreferences through an external device or software application and wouldextend the capabilities of mobile station 100 by providing forinformation or software downloads to mobile station 100 other thanthrough a wireless communication network. The alternate download pathmay for example be used to load an encryption key onto the devicethrough a direct and thus reliable and trusted connection to therebyenable secure device communication.

Other communications subsystems 140, such as a short-rangecommunications subsystem, is a further optional component which mayprovide for communication between mobile station 100 and differentsystems or devices, which need not necessarily be similar devices. Forexample, the subsystem 140 may include an infrared device and associatedcircuits and components or a Bluetooth™ communication module to providefor communication with similarly enabled systems and devices.

When used in co-operation with the apparatus and method providedaccording to the present application, Touch-pad/fingerprint module 160includes software instructions that enable microprocessor 138 to carryout the various acts that are described below with reference to theremaining figures.

Turning now to FIG. 2A, FIG. 2A is a front perspective view of a firstperipheral embodiment of an apparatus provided in accordance with thepresent application. A combined touch-pad/fingerprint peripheral 200 isprovided to releasably attach along arrow 275 to a handheld electronicdevice 280. When attached to device 280, peripheral 200 enables a userto provide input and preferably control device 280 via peripheral 200.When detached from device 200, peripheral 200 may conveniently be stowedaway. Depending on the particular handheld electronic device, device 280can include a keyboard 285 and display 290. Peripheral 200 includes arear face 205, a front face 210, a touch surface 215 having an integralfingerprint portion 220, as well as optional escape key 225, andcommunication interface 230.

Several features of the peripheral embodiment are a function of thespecific device to which it releasably attaches. In the case of theexemplary peripheral 200 and exemplary device 280 of FIG. 2A, the shapeand dimensions of rear face 205, front face 210, touch surface 215, andoptional escape key 225 are preferably shaped and dimensioned in analogyto features of device 280. The combined thickness of rear face 205 andfront face 210 is preferably the same as the thickness of device 280.The width of rear face 205 and front face 210 is preferably the same asthe width of device 280. The general shape of peripheral 200 isanalogous to the lower portion of device 280 so that the top face ofperipheral 200 is designed to mate with the bottom face of device 280and so that the bottom face of peripheral 200 is analogous to the bottomface of device 280. The general shape of touch surface 215 as viewedthru the front face 210 is analogous to screen 290 of device 280. Theshape and size of escape key 225 (if provided) is analogous to the shapeof the keys in keyboard 285 of device 280.

Turning now to FIG. 2B, FIG. 2B is an exploded front perspective view ofthe apparatus of FIG. 2A. A traversal from the rear face 205 to thefront face 210 reveals additional features of peripheral 200. The rearface 205 supports a PCB (Printed Circuit Board) 235. Onto the PCB 235 isaffixed communication interface 230 and touch surface 215 havingfingerprint portion 220, as well as any other electronic componentsrequired such as a processor. Escape key 225 mates with an opening infront face 210 and is supported by the PCB 235 whereat a key sensor isaffixed. The front surface 210 includes escape key hole 245 and touchsurface port 240 which exposes portions of the escape key 225 andportions of the touch surface 215 respectively, the remaining portionsand integral components of peripheral 200 housed by the assembly offront face 210 and rear face 205.

Turning now to FIG. 2C, FIG. 2C is a front elevation view of theapparatus of FIG. 2A. In addition to providing a communications pathbetween peripheral 200 and device 280, communication interface 230 alsoserves to support the peripheral 200 onto the device 280. Communicationinterface 230 is preferably dimensioned and positioned on peripheral 200so that when peripheral 200 is attached to device 280, a mating fit isachieved between the bottom surface of device 280 and the top surface ofperipheral 200. The dimensions of fingerprint portion 220 are preferablyat least as big as the size of a human fingerprint.

Turning now to FIG. 2D, FIG. 2D is a top elevation view of the apparatusof FIG. 2A. Communication interface 230 is provided on the top face ofperipheral 200 to connect to a receiving interface (not shown) on thebottom face of device 280 thereby enabling a communication path to existbetween device 280 and peripheral 200 when the peripheral is releasablyattached to device 280, as well as achieving a mating fit of peripheral200 with device 280 and providing structural support for peripheral 200onto device 280.

Turning now to FIG. 2E, FIG. 2E is a bottom elevation view of theapparatus of FIG. 2A. Although not expressly shown, peripheral 200 canoptionally be provided with a “pass-thru” communication interface onit's bottom face, and if so provided the “pass-thru” communicationinterface which is preferably analogous to the receiving interface onthe device 280 so that the device and peripheral combination continuesto posses an available communication interface while the peripheral 200is releasably attached to the device 280.

Turning now to FIG. 2F, FIG. 2F is a right elevation view of theapparatus of FIG. 2A. The combined thickness of rear face 205 and frontface 210 is preferably the same as the thickness of device 280.

Turning now to FIG. 3A, FIG. 3A is a rear perspective view of a secondhandheld device embodiment of an apparatus provided in accordance withthe present application. A combined touch-pad/fingerprint is providedintegral to handheld electronic device 300. Touch surface 315 andfingerprint portion 320 enable a user to provide input to and preferablycontrol device 300. Preferably, touch surface 315 and fingerprintportion 320 are provided on the rear face 310 of device 300 so that thesurface area of front face 305 can provide a more traditional userinterface such as a screen and/or keyboard (not shown). Operationally,the user of device 300 can operate touch surface 315 and fingerprintportion 320 with one or more fingers of the hand which holds device 300,for instance by supporting the lower portion of rear face 310 in thepalm while viewing front face 305 so as to allow at least one finger toaccess touch surface 315 and fingerprint portion 320.

Turning now to FIG. 3B, FIG. 3B is a rear elevation view of theapparatus of FIG. 3A. Fingerprint portion 320 is preferably disposednear the top of touch surface 315, while touch surface 315 is preferablydisposed near the top of rear face 310. This arrangement facilitatessupport of the device 300 by placement of the lower portion of rear face310 in the palm while allowing at least one finger access to touchsurface 315 and fingerprint portion 320. An optional escape key 325 isalso provided.

Turning now to FIGS. 3C and 3D, FIG. 3C is a bottom elevation view ofthe apparatus of FIG. 3A while FIG. 3D is a right elevation view of theapparatus of FIG. 3A. From these vantage points, neither the touchsurface 315 nor the fingerprint portion 320 can be seen advantageouslyensuring that the profile of device 300 remains substantially the sameas if it were not provided with these features, thereby allowing fordevice 300 to continue to be employed with existing peripherals, dockingcradles, holsters, etc. traditionally co-operating with device 300.

Turning now to FIG. 4A, FIG. 4A is a top elevation view of a thirdhandheld device embodiment of an apparatus provided in accordance withthe present application. A combined touch-pad/fingerprint is providedintegral to handheld electronic device 400. Advantageously, the combinedtouch-pad/fingerprint is not visible on the front face 405 of handhelddevice 400 so that screen 490 is contemporaneously entirely visiblewhile the touch-pad/fingerprint surface is manipulated. Device 400 isprovided with an optional keyboard 485 and optional escape key 425.

Turning now to FIG. 4B, FIG. 4B is a tight elevation view of theapparatus of FIG. 4A. From this vantage point, neither the touch surface415 nor the fingerprint portion 420 can be seen advantageously ensuringthat the profile of device 400 remains substantially the same as if itwere not provided with these features, thereby allowing for device 400to continue to be employed with existing peripherals, docking cradles,holsters, etc. traditionally co-operating with device 300.

Turning now to FIG. 4C, FIG. 4C is a rear elevation view of theapparatus of FIG. 4A. Touch surface 415 and fingerprint portion 420enable a user to provide input to and preferably control device 300.Preferably, touch surface 415 and fingerprint portion 420 are providedon the rear face 410 of device 400 so that the surface area of frontface 405 can provide a more traditional user interface including ascreen 405 and keyboard 495. Preferably, touch surface 415 isdimensioned and sized to match screen 490. Operationally, the user ofdevice 400 can operate touch surface 415 and fingerprint portion 420with one or more fingers of the hand which holds device 300, forinstance by supporting the lower portion of rear face 410 in the palmwhile viewing front face 405 so as to allow at least one finger toaccess touch surface 415 and fingerprint portion 420. Advantageously,screen 490 remains unobstructed during these manipulations.

Referring now to FIG. 5, FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating anembodiment of a method provided in accordance with the presentapplication.

Referring to flow-chart 500, at step 510 the method determines if thefingerprint portion is to be used in fingerprint mode, or for touchinput. If fingerprint mode is determined at step 510, then at step 520the fingerprint portion is used to recognize a fingerprint. However, iffingerprint mode is not determined at step 510, then at step 530 thefingerprint portion is adapted for touch input, for example bysub-sampling the higher resolution fingerprint mode so that it isoperated at a resolution which is comparable to the remaining portion ofthe touch surface.

The above-described embodiments of the present application are intendedto be examples only. Those of skill in the art may effect alterations,modifications and variations to the particular embodiments withoutdeparting from the scope of the application.

1. An apparatus for input and fingerprint recognition on a handheldelectronic device, the apparatus comprising: a housing carrying a touchsurface, the housing being configured for releasable attachment to thehandheld electronic device; a touch input portion integral to said touchsurface and having touch resolution for detecting a touch input thereon;and a fingerprint resolution portion integral to said touch surface anddistinct from the touch input portion, the fingerprint resolutionportion having a fingerprint resolution mode for sensing a fingerprinton said touch surface and a touch input mode for detecting the touchinput on said touch surface.
 2. The apparatus according to claim 1,wherein the data processor is configured to detect activity at thefingerprint resolution portion as navigation data in the touch inputmode, and to detect activity at the fingerprint resolution portion asfingerprint data in the fingerprint resolution mode.
 3. The apparatusaccording to claim 2, wherein the touch surface corresponds in shape toa display screen of the handheld electronic device.
 4. The apparatusaccording to claim 3, wherein the housing has a shape corresponding tothat of the handheld electronic device.
 5. The apparatus according toclaim 4, wherein the housing has a communication interface at one endthereof for interfacing with the handheld electronic device.
 6. Theapparatus according to claim 5, wherein the communication interface isconfigured to establish a mating fit with the handheld electronic deviceat an end surface of the handheld electronic device.
 7. The apparatusaccording to claim 6, wherein in said fingerprint resolution mode thefingerprint resolution portion is sampled at a fingerprint resolutionrate providing the fingerprint resolution portion with a resolutionsufficient for sensing the fingerprint on said touch surface, and insaid touch input mode the fingerprint resolution portion is subsampledat a rate less than the fingerprint resolution rate, said subsample rateproviding the fingerprint resolution portion with a resolutionsufficient for detecting the touch input on said touch surface.
 8. Theapparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 7, further comprising akey for providing data input to the handheld electronic device.
 9. Amethod of input and fingerprint recognition at an electronic handhelddevice, the method comprising the steps of: providing a touch surfacehaving a touch resolution portion and a fingerprint resolution portiondistinct from the touch resolution portion; the touch resolution portionhaving a touch resolution for detecting a touch input on said touchsurface; and selectively operating the fingerprint resolution portion inone of a fingerprint mode for sensing a fingerprint on said touchsurface and a touch input mode for detecting the touch input on saidtouch surface.
 10. The method according to claim 9, wherein theselective operating step comprises detecting activity at the fingerprintsensor as navigation data in the touch input mode, and detectingactivity at the fingerprint sensor as fingerprint data in thefingerprint resolution mode.
 11. The method according to claim 10,wherein in said fingerprint mode the fingerprint resolution portion issampled at a fingerprint resolution rate providing the fingerprintresolution portion with a resolution sufficient for sensing thefingerprint on said touch surface, and in said touch input mode thefingerprint resolution portion is subsampled at a rate less than thefingerprint resolution rate, said subsample rate providing thefingerprint resolution portion with a resolution sufficient fordetecting the touch input on said touch surface.
 12. The methodaccording to claim 11, further comprising the step of recognizing thefingerprint on the fingerprint resolution portion in the fingerprintmode.
 13. An apparatus for input and fingerprint recognition on ahandheld electronic device, the apparatus comprising: a touchscreenhaving a touch resolution portion and a fingerprint sensor distinct fromthe touch resolution portion; the touch resolution portion having atouch resolution for detecting a touch input on said touch surface; anda data processor coupled to the touchscreen and being configured toselectively operate the fingerprint sensor in one of a fingerprintresolution mode for sensing a fingerprint on said touch surface and atouch input mode for detecting the touch input on said touch surface.14. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the data processor isconfigured to detect activity at the fingerprint sensor as navigationdata in the touch input mode, and to detect activity at the fingerprintsensor as fingerprint data in the fingerprint resolution mode.
 15. Theapparatus according to claim 14, wherein the touchscreen corresponds inshape to a display screen of the handheld electronic device.
 16. Theapparatus according to claim 15, wherein the data processor isconfigured to sample the fingerprint sensor in said fingerprintresolution mode at a fingerprint resolution rate providing thefingerprint sensor with a fingerprint resolution for sensing thefingerprint on said touch surface, the data processor being furtherconfigured to subsample the fingerprint sensor in said touch input modeat a rate less than the fingerprint resolution rate, the subsample rateproviding the fingerprint sensor with a resolution sufficient fordetecting the touch input on said touch surface.
 17. A handheldelectronic device, comprising: a display on one side of the handheldelectronic device; a keyboard on the one side of the handheld electronicdevice; a touchscreen having a touch resolution portion and afingerprint sensor distinct from the touch resolution portion; the touchresolution portion having a touch resolution for detecting a touch inputon said touch surface; and a data processor coupled to the touchscreenand selectively operating the fingerprint sensor in one of a fingerprintresolution mode for sensing a fingerprint on said touch surface and atouch input mode for detecting the touch input on said touch surface.18. The handheld electronic device according to claim 17, wherein thedata processor is configured to detect activity at the fingerprintsensor as navigation data in the touch input mode, and to detectactivity at the fingerprint sensor as fingerprint data in thefingerprint resolution mode.
 19. The handheld electronic deviceaccording to claim 18, wherein the touchscreen is disposed on a side ofthe handheld electronic device opposite to the one side.
 20. Thehandheld electronic device according to claim 19, wherein the dataprocessor is configured to sample the fingerprint sensor in saidfingerprint resolution mode at a fingerprint resolution rate providingthe fingerprint sensor with a fingerprint resolution for sensing thefingerprint on said touch surface, the data processor being furtherconfigured to subsample the fingerprint sensor in said touch input modeat a rate less than the fingerprint resolution rate, the subsample rateproviding the fingerprint sensor with a resolution sufficient fordetecting the touch input on said touch surface.
 21. The handheldelectronic device according to claim 20, wherein the handheld electronicdevice is a wireless device.
 22. The handheld electronic deviceaccording to claim 21, wherein the wireless device is one of a datamessaging device, a two-way pager, a wireless e-mail device, a cellulartelephone with data messaging capabilities, and a wireless Internetappliance.
 23. The handheld electronic device according to claim 20,wherein the handheld electronic device is a two-way wirelesscommunications device having at least voice and data communicationcapabilities.
 24. The handheld electronic device according to claim 22or 23, further comprising a key for providing data input.